Release of sport caught sturgeon between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam

Action:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will require anglers to release all white sturgeon caught between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam on the Columbia River.

Effective date:
12:01 a.m., July 24 through Dec. 31, 2006.

Species affected:
Sturgeon

Location:
The Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam.

Reason for action:
The cutoff date for retention of sturgeon was adopted because Washington and Oregon fish managers estimate that the harvest guideline of 700 fish will be caught by July 24.

Other information:
The section of the Columbia River between The Dalles Dam and McNary Dam will remain closed to sturgeon retention. Catch and release of sturgeon is still allowed between Bonneville and McNary dams. Spawning sanctuaries in The Dalles and John Day reservoirs remain closed to all sturgeon angling through July 31.

Information contact:
Dennis Gilliland, (360)906-6733.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.